Before you start

Where around the world can you see those in power moving against those who follow Jesus.

On the face of it, this story can appear quite farcical. Having been broken out of prison by an angel, Peter knocks on the door of the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. A servant, Rhoda, recognizes Peter’s voice and runs off to tell everyone in the house, leaving Peter stranded in front of a locked door. No one believes Rhoda’s story and it’s only when Peter keeps knocking that someone finally goes to let him in.

However, look beyond the comedy and we see the danger Peter and the other believers are in. In the days following the Passover, Herod has arrested some believers and killed the apostle James. He arrests Peter, presumably to do the same to him because he thinks it will put him in the Jewish leadership’s good books.

And what does the early Church do in response to this? It prays. It asks God to keep Peter safe and this he does. An angel virtually punches him awake and leads him to safety; Peter seems quite unaware of what’s happening. Perhaps this is a ploy by the angel to ensure Peter keeps quiet until all is clear – another sign of the danger Peter is in.

We see from this story that opposition to faith can come from those who are meant to keep us safe – the authorities, the police, the politicians. Herod was playing a power game, trying to please the Romans, from whom his power came, as well as the Jews, whose support was vital to him retaining power. We can see the same dynamics in play across the world today.

However, what we also see is that prayer is vital and it works. When we bring our requests to God, he listens and acts. It may not be in the way we expect – both Peter’s and Rhoda’s reactions to the events of this story show us that – but he moves for the good of his people.

After all, as Paul says later, in his letter to the church in Philippi: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Here are some questions. Grab a notebook and jot down your ideas or, if you’re doing this with others, discuss your thoughts together.

• What’s the most important part of this story?
• Do you have experience of prayer being answered for those who are persecuted or facing opposition? How did God answer your prayers?
• Are there any countries God laying on your heart? How can you pray for the believers in that country?

Pray

Pray for those who are in prison because of their beliefs.